Leeds Go Top After 66-16 Win as Super League Weighs NRL Deal

Leeds Rhinos moved to the top of the Super League table after a 66-16 victory at York Knights on Sunday, strengthening their position with three rounds remaining before the playoffs. The Guardian reported that the result ended Wigan's 48-hour spell at the summit and left Leeds and Wigan level on points.

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Leeds established control quickly at the LNER Community Stadium, building a 30-0 lead after 25 minutes. Riley Lumb scored a hat-trick, while Lachie Miller, Brodie Croft and Jake Connor played central roles in an attack that produced 12 tries. The match was played in front of a full house, according to The Guardian.

York, promoted at short notice when Super League expanded to 14 teams, have received £650,000 in central funding, half the amount allocated to the other clubs. The Knights were unable to contain the league leaders, but their first top-flight season has also demonstrated support for the sport in North Yorkshire.

The victory sets up a demanding closing stretch for Leeds. The Rhinos face St Helens this week, while Wigan play Hull KR. The two leading teams are scheduled to meet at Headingley on September 5, a fixture that could have a major bearing on the League Leaders' Shield. Warrington also remain in contention for a top-two finish if either side drops points.

The run-in is unfolding alongside discussions about possible investment from Australia's National Rugby League. The Guardian reported that Super League clubs rejected an initial offer on Thursday worth £7 million in each of the next five years in exchange for equity in the competition. Clubs are expected to meet again this week, while NRL chairman Peter V'landys is due to travel to the United Kingdom within the next two weeks for further talks.

Broadcast arrangements are also part of the competition's changing landscape. Sky Sports is set to show three matches per round next year rather than the entire schedule. The Guardian reported that Premier Sports is interested in the remaining four games if no NRL agreement is reached, while DAZN is considered the leading option if a deal proceeds. For Leeds, the immediate focus remains the title race after their decisive display in York.